Gombe State Confirms 5 COVID-19 Positive Index Cases

…Introduces stringent measures to check spread 

BY ADEYEMI AKANJI, BAUCHI – Governor Muhammad Yahaya of Gombe State on Tuesday confirmed that five index cases have tested positive to COVID-19 infection in the state as published by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on Monday. 

Governor Yahaya while announcing the confirmed cases, said that Government will spare no efforts to prevent community transmission of the infection as well as enforce compliance of all preventive measures. 

Yahaya told journalists at a media briefing shortly before a meeting with the state traditional council, that he was unhappy with the reported cases but called for calm with an assurance that the Government will spare no resources and efforts to ensure the safety of the people of the State. 

He said that three of the COVID-19 cases have been taken to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe while the fourth is currently being traced in Arawa quarters, a suburban area of Gombe metropolis just as the fifth case, an indigene of Biu Local Government Area of Borno State has since been handed over to officials of the Borno State Ministry of Health.

Yahaya expressed regrets that in spite of efforts by his administration to curtail the possible spread of the Coronavirus into the state, it is disheartening to see the state record five index cases, saying contacts of the index cases will be traced, isolated and tested for covid-19.

The governor appealed to traditional and religious leaders in the State to be more decisive in enlightening their subjects on the dangers of flaunting border closure directive and other preventive measures reeled out by the authorities. 

He said the spread of the COVID-19 among the populace can only be tackled if people strictly comply with preventive measures outlined by the government and health experts.

Yahaya also appealed to media organisations in the State to desist from promoting activities that would attract mass gatherings of people, saying any abuse of ethical standard of journalism on COVID-19 will be reported to National Broadcasting Commission, NBC for necessary sanctions. 

Governor Yahaya hinted that borders with other states will remain closed, while punitive measures will be taken against any large gathering in the state.

He further said; “If care and measures are not taken enough to protect the people, community spread will set-in and that will be the worst. You know the nature of how our people relate. You know the nature of our cultural affiliation and transactions and to that extent, it involves all of us.”

In his remarks, the Chairman of Gombe State Taskforce on COVID-19, Professor Idris Mohammed said his committee will do everything necessary to ensure that the virus does not spread exponentially. 

Mohammed commended Governor Yahaya’s pro-activeness in curbing the virus from getting into the State, saying for the committee to be able to keep the virus at bay for the past one month is a testament to the fact that the State Government has done the needful.

The Governor had presided over a consultative meeting with the state council of emirs and Chiefs and later a joint session with Security Council and traditional rulers to ensure inclusiveness in handling the matter.